Kyle Belmont took this 8-point on Jan. 11 in Point. Belmont shot the buck at 150 yards with a 7mm while hunting with his mother Bridgette Belmont. Send your outdoor photos to sports@thenewsstar.com.

By the time we read this, huntin' season as we know it for 2013-2014 will be just about over. If everything goes as planned, by the time the general populace reads this, the end of huntin' season as most of us know it will be only three or four hours away (Sunday night in Area I). As I construct this article Thursday evening, I am counting the days! My goodness, we just have not seen any deer! Yet when we get a rain, deer tracks appear. I really don't know if deer tracks are germinating in the heavy clay soil or if deer are actually walking in the right of way.

Once again, today, Jan. 19, is the birthday of General Robert E. Lee. Do you remember General Lee's horse's name?

Monday, Jan. 20, will start the last week of primitive weapon (muzzle loader) season in Area I. Time to get the ol' '06 out again. It is beyond my thinking, understanding, and general knowledge to allow some of the rifles and metallic cartridges to be used in this segment of our Louisiana deer season. I mean, why can't we use a .358 Norma Magnum in a 98 Mauser? 'Bout the same thing!

We have, for the most part, had a relatively safe hunting season. Do not load (cap or prime) a primitive weapon until you are on or in your stand. Likewise, uncap or de-prime before getting down or out of a stand. Never ever put a loaded firearm in or on a motorized vehicle. This is how people get shot and/or killed. This is just about the stupidest thing you can do engaged in a hunting or shooting activity. Remember this, every reported firearm incident will become a statistic for the anti-gunners. And this is something we don't need today.

I'm sure we will have some rabbit and squirrel season open for those of us that just have to be huntin' something. Hey, fried rabbit, fried squirrel, rice and gravy and a homemade biscuit ? those of you that know what I'm talking, know what I'm talkin' about. Squirrel hunting this time of year with a dog is fun enough to carry a youngun with you. This is an exciting event that will add to their hunting and shooting repertoire.

We might have some type of extended goose season still open. (Always check with Wildlife and Fisheries, 343-2417, for exact dates and regulations.) A Federal duck stamp is required for this and might be in short supply in the coming days. Buying one now will ensure you have this license now. If you intend to goose hunt in the coming days, be looking for heavier shot now: 2s, 4s, BBs or whatever your shotgun will "pattern" the best. Buying a box now will ensure at least 25 shots if a buddy calls, "Hey, the geese are in one of my wheat fields; wanna make a hunt this evening?" Being able and ready to go will often make for an enjoyable outdoor adventure with buddies.

Duck hunters have one more week to do their thing. Then it's time to get the dogs out. That's right, squirrel and rabbit dogs. Make a reasonable attempt to participate in one of these hunts.

Back to the modern rifle and the end of deer season. If you hunted much, you probably got your rifle, scope and binoculars muddy or wet. Many of us own much more expensive outdoor equipment than those before us. We need to take care of it.

Firearms: A good cleaning is in order. I'm talkin' about complete disassembly. Many of our bolt-action rifles are "user friendly" with some exceptions of the trigger group. Autos, pumps and lever guns will require some patience. If you can't really clean your firearm, carry it to someone that will and can. For those that will, every reasonably removable part needs to be cleaned and re-oiled. The barrel of said firearm needs to be scrubbed, cleaned and a final dry clean patch, lightly oiled, pulled through it. Light machine oil (3-in-1; Rem-Oil, etc) will protect and lubricate the firearm. I have been using a full synthetic 0-W-20 motor oil for all applications.

Optics: Scopes and binoculars. Of course, wiping the outside off will help maintain the integrity of the piece, but the glass that makes these optical wonders work will need care. I have two optic cleaning kits, one from Zeiss and one a "house" brand. Both are basic cleaning solutions and some sorta wiping cloth. Remember these marvels have some kinda coating on the exterior lens surfaces. Compromise these compounds and expect failure. A little prevention and care now will get you "up and running" next year.

Lee's horse was named Traveler.

If you get a chance, take a kid hunting or fishing. For that matter, take anyone. One doesn't have to kill to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best friends and meals are made "at the camp."

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Deer season winding down

By the time we read this, huntin' season as we know it for 2013-2014 will be just about over.